Makel Jones

Makel Fleming Jones Jr., a 19-year-old Black man known for his kindness and infectious smile, was a beloved member of the Augusta, Georgia, community. Born on March 30, 2005, Makel was a young father to a one-year-old boy and had an identical twin brother. He was remembered by loved ones for his generosity and unwavering positivity. He enjoyed working out at the Boys and Girls Club and was a compassionate presence to his family and friends. His life, full of promise, was tragically cut short in an act of violence that stemmed from his defense of his sister.

The fatal encounter unfolded just before midnight on Monday, April 1, 2024. Makel was outside with a group of people on the 2000 block of Bolt Drive in the Dogwood Terrace neighborhood when a male acquaintance reportedly struck his sister. Makel intervened, telling the man not to hit his sister. According to his aunt, Jessica Tellado, Makel never touched the man; he simply used his words to protect his sibling. The man left the scene, only to return shortly after with a .40-caliber handgun. He then shot Makel in the stomach.

Makel was rushed by private vehicle to Wellstar MCG hospital. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 12:37 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. The Richmond County Coroner’s Office scheduled an autopsy to confirm the cause of death. The shooting marked a grim period of violence in the Augusta area, which had seen multiple shootings in a short span of time.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office immediately launched a homicide investigation. Deputies responded to the scene at 11:40 p.m. but arrived after Makel had already been transported to the hospital. Within days, investigators identified a primary suspect. On April 3, 2024, the sheriff's office announced they had secured active warrants for 27-year-old Dominique Dezel Beal for murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Authorities described Beal as a Black male, 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighing 250 pounds. They noted he was known to frequent the Spiderweb neighborhood in Beech Island, South Carolina, as well as the Dogwood Terrace area in Augusta where the shooting occurred. In connection with the investigation, the sheriff's office also announced they were seeking another man, 27-year-old Denzel Rafael Shaw, for questioning only. Shaw was described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 130 pounds, and also known to frequent the same neighborhoods as Beal. It was noted that Shaw had multiple outstanding warrants for unrelated incidents.

A funeral service for Makel was held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the C.A. Reid Sr. Memorial Funeral Home, followed by a burial at South View Cemetery in Augusta. His family and friends gathered to mourn the profound loss of a young man who was loved and respected by all who knew him.

As of the latest available reports in June 2024, the case remains open. Dominique Dezel Beal is still wanted by the Richmond County Sheriff's Office in connection with the murder of Makel Jones. Authorities continue to ask for the public's help in locating him. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dominique Dezel Beal or Denzel Shaw is urged to contact Investigator Sean Morrow or any Violent Crimes Investigator at the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 821-1020 or (706) 432-5281.